1. Increase flexibility and reduce back pain
If the body and muscle tissues are overly compressed it limits our ability to move our joints through their full range of motion. When we begin to move more freely, our joint cartilage receives fresh nutrients and we may experience less tension from tight tissues. Back pain is often caused by nerve irritation which results in compressed muscles or muscle spasm. When the muscles relax through various movements and deep breathing, pain is reduced.
2. Increase bone density and health
Many postures in yoga require weight bearing, which strengthens bones. Specifically, yoga strengthens arm bones that are particularly vulnerable to osteoporotic fractures.
3. Increase circulation and blood flow
Whether you build heat through sustaining postures or get the heart pumping through faster cardiovascular movement, yoga gets your blood flowing. In addition, relaxation helps circulation, and movement brings more oxygen to your cells which helps them function more efficiently.
4. Activate the lymph and bolster the immune system
Yoga movements aid in draining the lymphatic system, allowing it to better fight inflection, fight diseased cells, and rid toxic waste in the body. Furthermore, mindfulness appears to have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the immune system, boosting it when needed (i.e. raising antibody levels in response to a vaccine), and lowering it when needed (i.e. mitigating an inappropriately aggressive immune function in an autoimmune disease like psoriasis).
5. Regulate the adrenal glands
Yoga lowers cortisol levels. If high, they compromise the immune system and may lead to permanent changes in the brain. Excessive cortisol has also been linked with major depression, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance.
6. Improve balance
Regularly practicing yoga increases proprioception (the ability to feel what your body is doing and where it is in space) and improves balance. Better balance could mean fewer falls. This translates into more independence and ease of movement with aging.
7. Calm the nervous system and sleep deeper
Stimulation in our modern society can tax our nervous system. Yoga and meditation encourage turning inward to take a break from constant stimuli, providing much needed downtime for the nervous system to recalibrate and in turn create an environment for better sleep.
8. Encourage self-care and a healthy lifestyle
Perhaps the greatest benefits of yoga are its ability to improve self-care and inspire adopting a healthier lifestyle. When we become more involved in our own health and care, we discover we have the power to effect positive change in our lives and commit to more healthy habits. Over time, healthy living, appreciation, and the ability to connect with people and life outside of our own bubble has a large impact on life expectancy.